ELLINWOOD — Leona M. Birzer, 84, passed away at Woodhaven Care Center in Ellinwood, Kan., on Sept. 4th, 2019. Born on Oct. 18th, 1934, in rural Odin, Kan., she was the daughter of William and Frances (Jenisch) Zorn. 

A lifetime Barton County resident, Leona graduated from Odin High School and later married James N. Birzer in Odin on April 30th, 1957. Mrs. Birzer was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Joseph Altar Society, and was a former board member at Sts. Peter & Paul Church north of Ellinwood. 

Survivors include son, Michael Birzer, Ellinwood, Kan.; daughter, Debora Steinert, Larned, Kan.; sister, Eleanor Zecha, Claflin, Kan.; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1997; brother, Eugene Zorn and son, Greg Birzer both in 2008. 

Memorial Mass will be 10 a.m., Saturday, September 7th, at Sts. Peter & Paul Church north of Ellinwood with Father Klein officiating. Burial will follow at Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, September 6th at Sts. Peter & Paul Church from 5-7 p.m. with parish Vigil/Rosary at 7 p.m. Memorials are suggested to Sts. Peter & Paul Heritage Association in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526. 

Funeral arrangements provided by

Minnis Chapel 

P.O. Box 246 

Ellinwood, KS 67526

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Sept. 6, 2019